Grace Avenue UMC

Boldness
February 16 – March 3, 2019

In Luke’s Gospel Jesus descends to a level place (Luke 6:17) to deliver some of his most important teachings about living as his followers.  Jesus proclaims with boldness the nature of the Kingdom of God.  His instructions to us are radical and uncompromising. They are intended to transform the world.  It is a calling to live out God’s love with boldness and courage.

During this series a called General Conference of the United Methodist Church will be held in St. Louis, MO (more info).  Delegates from around the world will gather to determine what kind of church we will be going forward especially as it relates to issues of human sexuality and our witness as the followers of Christ.  We will gather in faith, not fear, to pray, listen, remember and worship that God is greater than anything that could divide us.  Whatever the result we will pledge to live into God’s future design with boldness. 

Scripture Readings

Feb. 16/17 – “All Means All”
Luke 6: 27-31

Feb. 23/24 – “No Matter What”
Luke 6: 32-36

March 2/3 – “God is Still God”
Luke 6: 37-42

Suggested Resources & Reading

A Bigger Table, Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community
by John Palovitz

Bid Our Jarring Conflicts Cease: A Wesleyan Theology and Praxis of Church Unity 
by David N. Field

The Marks of Hope: Where the Spirit Is Moving
by Matt Rawle, Juan Huertas, 
Katie McKay Simpson

Our Purpose is to Love: The Wesleyan Way to be the Church
by David N. Field

Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again
by Rachel Held Evans

Commission on A Way Forward Final Report