How do we perceive ourselves?

We are continuing a discussion begun at our May congregational meeting about how we each perceive our congregation. Our hope is that we can hear one another's story, and deepen our understanding of how we can be the body of Christ together in Ann Arbor.

If you wonder why this might be helpful, there is a thought-provoking and wise video of a talk by Chimamanda Adichie entitled "The Danger of the Single Story" on TED that I would encourage you to view.



After viewing the video, consider these questions:
1. What is going well in our congregation? What were the essential ingredients of making it go well?
2. Have you experienced moments where you observed a "critical spirit"? What was your response?
3. What expectations do we have of each other and what happens when they are not met?
4. If our goal is to be more Christ-like, loving, and supportive toward each other, what should you/we do differently? And more importantly, how do we build on those many instances where we are Christ-like loving, and supportive toward each other?
5. In times on conflict how would you address the situation to achieve a win-win solution?

I have been thinking about these questions, and listening to stories of the people around me. The community I find in our 11:15 worship teams has been a blessing to me, and I see God's love being lived out every week. Elsewhere I find challenges, interestingly enough where others find joy and purpose. God has been encouraging me to listen to the stories and testimonies, see his hand, and show his love. My prayer is as you listen and experience, you too will see God at work and be challenged to love a little bit more too.

A New Year's Prayer (from Ephesians 3:14-21)

Thanks to John Groen for this prayer for the new year. I've been praying it each week as I begin to worship plan another Sunday, and wanted to share it with you all.
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Leader:
Because Jesus has been revealed to the world and to us,
Because all God’s good gifts are ours to receive and share,

Congregation:
We kneel before you, our Father in heaven; from you all living creatures have been given life and from you they have each received their unique character.

We pray that out of the abundance of your glorious resources you will strengthen us in our hearts and minds with power through your Holy Spirit.

Receiving this power through faith we know Christ will live in us. When this happens we will be deeply rooted and planted in the foundation of his love.

Having received this love and strength we, with all God’s people, will be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep this love of Christ truly is. Knowing this love, which is beyond all knowledge, we desire and ask to be filled up with the complete fullness of God.

We will say today and every day of the coming year, and even for the rest of our lives: Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

Glory to God from this generation to the next,
and the one after that.
Glory to God here in this congregation.
Glory to God in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.