All summer, we’ve heard Jesus’ stories about the Kingdom of God. These parables, as we’ve seen, both reveal and hide what the Kingdom is about by couching their meaning in tight allegories. These stories are unique in many ways — their style, goal, message, and effect — from any other form of ancient literature. According to Craig Blomberg’s insightful research into the parables, each character represents someone, and the more characters there are in a story, the more points the story makes.
Parables were radical at the time, continue to puzzle listeners today, and expose misconceptions we all have toward God. For example, this Sunday we will hear Jesus tell about a wretched tax collector (hated by everyone) who seeks mercy being more righteous in God’s eyes than a noble Pharisee (revered for their moral uprightness). How can that be? How is God’s character different than what we expect?
Grace and Peace,
Drew
It’s estimated that 95% of clothing is made with exploited labor or child labor. Katie Martinez’s mission was to do the exact opposite. For over a decade, Katie’s company, Elegantees, has been employing survivors of human trafficking, and women who were at risk, to make beautiful pieces. At the Rays of Hope sewing center, survivors find acceptance with a place of dignity, healing, and family. Step inside the workshop through the photography of Prabin Kumari Karki and the storytelling of Katie Martinez on Friday, August 23 at 7 pm. Tickets are FREE!
Upcoming Events
- Aug 20 | Tuesday Morning Men
- Aug 22 | Infertility, Miscarriage, & Infant Loss Support Group
- Aug 23 | Sewn to Restore: Exhibit at W83
- Aug 23 | Coffee Club – W64 & W95
- Aug 24 | W83 Dashers
- Aug 25 | Mandarin Speaking Community Group
- Sep 1 | Bijan’s First Sunday as Senior Pastor
Get Involved
RWS job openings: Youth Ministry Manager and Youth Ministry Assistant
Lead or host Pilot Community Groups
Pray through the Psalms with Do for One
Join the Young Professionals Summer Gathering on August 20
