![]() The story of the “Prodigal” is probably one of the best known in all of scripture. It is also probably the least understood. “Prodigal” means “wasteful.” Who is wasteful: the younger son, who wastes money and resources? The father, who wastes grace on his unrepentant son? Or the older brother, who wastes opportunity? And which character do you identify with? This Sunday, let us learn to Cultivate Abundance and Let Go of Excess. Based on Psalm 32 and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. © "One More Year" by Hannah Garrity | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org Used with permission. In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus tells the story of the barren fig tree. While the vineyard owner wants to cut it down, the gardener wants to give it more time to produce fruit.
How often do we grow impatient with ourselves and others when we are unproductive? How frequently do we want to act in haste to cut down progress, rather than give a little more time, a little more attention, a little more TLC? Hannah Garrity writes this about her artwork: “Give the fig tree one more year to fruit. Things that are worth working for do not yield immediate results. Difficult work does not reap quick rewards; yet, it is worthy. So, I keep going. I search for the sign of a bud on the limbs. “In this image the fig leaves are full, but the buds are tiny. As in the parable, the fruit of this tree eludes the viewer. However, the buds are visible as a token in this painting. They are encouragement that it is worth the effort to care for the tree, encouragement that we should give it the grace of one more year.” This Sunday, Cultivate Promise and Let Go of Procrastination. Take some time to slow down this Saturday. Stop by any time between 9:30 to 11:30 am. All are welcome! Lower Level of North Christian Church
850 Tipton Lane Columbus, IN 47201 We are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Columbus Pride Festival! Organizers have moved the event to the Library Plaza in anticipation of an even greater turnout than last year. The festival will be a fun event, filled with entertainment, shopping, diversity, and inclusion. Not to mention, this is another meaningful opportunity to affirm our Open and Affirming identity and pledge to work for the day when society will welcome all in the same way Christ welcomes.
If you want to help represent North Christian at this year's festival, please let Tonja know. Jesus’ message, throughout his earthly ministry, was one of sanctuary and inclusion. In Luke’s scripture, Jesus indicates he wants to shelter everyone from harm; he wants to spread his wings like a mother hen and protect the baby chicks. But instead he experienced rejection by the very ones he desired most to include. Lauren Wright Pittman writes about her artwork of the mother hen: “the chicks are unwilling to be protected. In Jesus’ attempt to love the world he meets unwillingness, distrust, mockery, and violence."
This Sunday, let us learn to Cultivate Sanctuary and Let Go of Rejection. Based on Psalm 27 and Luke 13:31-35.
Opening August 24—Mark your calendars to visit us and see the "Filament Tower"! Click the image below to read more from The Republic article.
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