“Guided by Grace” Series 2023

“Guided by Grace” Series Overview

Artificial intelligence can make life simpler but not more meaningful.  As poet George Herbert puts it: “Knowledge is but folly unless it is guided by grace.”  John Wesley teaches that grace is God's unconditional love that enables us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves.  As a free gift from God, grace can deepen honest faith and make it sturdy.  Like the instinct that draws turtle hatchlings to the sea, grace draws us to life with God.  When we feel lost, alone, or exhausted, we can find hope and significance on the path of Jesus.  Join us this Spring on a journey guided by grace.

Apr. 9 -Easter
BREAKING OPEN: The pain in our lives can make us bitter, but we really want healing and wholeness.  In Luke 24:1-12, the women who went to Jesus’ tomb found that the stone at the entrance was removed.  Where they expected death, they found life.  What breaks your heart open?

Apr. 16 | Easter 2
RECIPROCITY OF LOVE: Love is a two way street.  In John 15:1-17, Jesus says “I am the vine, and you are the branches.”  God’s love surrounds us and makes us a part of a greater whole.  When have you felt loved back?

Apr. 23 | Easter 3
ABUNDANT LIFE FOR ALL: Sometimes it feels like there are people who seem too terrible, too evil, too monstrous for God’s love.  Luke 15:11-24 is a story of the Prodigal Son returning home and the brother who wrestled with such a welcome.  The gift of abundant life calls each of us to extend abundant grace and life to everyone.  When have you felt God’s unconditional grace?

Apr. 30 | Easter 4 / Confirmation
LOVED BACK TO LIFE: We aren’t perfect. Nadia Bolz-Weber calls it “constantly digging our own graves.”  We know that some things are life-giving, and some are not.  The good news is death never has the final word.  The writer of 1 John 4:7-10 reminds us that God is love.  We have been created in love, are saved by love, and have been given the promise of eternal love.  When have you felt most loved?

May 7 | Easter 5
GOD LIGHT: We struggle to see without light.  Revelation 22:1-5 tells us about what life will be like when God’s plan for creation is fulfilled.  We will be surrounded by the light of God and feel God’s glow.  When have you experienced God’s light?

May 14 | Easter 6 / Mothers’ Day
LIVE LOVED: Sometimes we feel tired and worn out.  It often happens when we are burdened with expectations that are heavy and ill-fitting.  In Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus invites us to rediscover our real life and walk freely and lightly with him.  What burden can you lay down?

May 21 | Easter 7
BEHOLD WHAT YOU ARE BECOMING: When the world seems to turn towards evil, it is hard to find God anywhere, much less in one another.  2 Corinthians 5:14-17 reminds us that God promises to make all things new and calls each of us to see Christ in one another.  Where have you witnessed Christ’s transformative work?

May 28 | Pentecost
GRACE FOR ONE DAY: Today is the only day we have, but sometimes we waste the gift of today on things that do not even exist.  In Luke 12:22-29, Jesus points out that if God gives the birds and the flowers all they need, then we do not need to squander our time with needless worry.