SERIOUS CHRISTIANITY

We have begun a new series at the Open House.  Check here each week to see if you are up to date on the challenge to practice Serious Christianity.

JUNE 15, 2008  Hungry and Thirsty for God
 
In the longest unbroken section of Jesus' teachings from the Bible, he begins by talking about what sort of people are really blessed.  Some of these are easy to believe, some are not.  (You can find them at the beginning of the 5th chapter of Matthew.)  Two of them are particularly interesting.  The first can be understood to mean "People who know how much they need God are blessed."  Another one says that people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness will be filled.
 
The question for us is this:  are we hungry and thirsty for what is right?  Do we need to know God? 
 
Hunger is a good thing, because it motivates us, and tells us what we need.  We have lots of ways of turning hunger off without feeding ourselves, of course.  We eat junk food.  Spiritually and physically we do this.
 
What if we let ourselves be hungry?  What if we use the physical sensations of hunger to remind us to feed our souls?
 
THE CHALLENGE
For the week of June 15, 2008
 
This week's goal is to practice mindfulness.  This means to be clearly aware of God in whatever way possible.  Here are some suggestions.  Feel free to practice one or all of them.
 
1.  Concentration Time
Take time at the start of each day to pray, meditate, read from the Bible
Or take time at regular intervals in the day to set everything aside?morning, noon, sunset would be an example
Take time at the end of the day to reflect and be aware of God
 
2.  Try fasting
·         If you can, set aside a 24 hour period to go without food.
·         At times when you are aware of being hungry, pray.  Spend meal times in prayer, meditation, journaling, or in doing something for others.
 
3.  Eat only when you are hungry
Try to notice the hunger you feel.  If you don't feel it, don't eat.
If you do, thank God for hunger, fix something to eat, and thank God for that, too.
 
4.  Dedicate some mundane tasks to God
Wash the dishes as a gift to God
Go through the mail as a gift to God
Vacum the floors as a gift to God
Mow the lawn as a gift to God
Walk the dog as a gift to God
BE AWARE OF GOD WITH YOU IN ALL OF THIS

JUNE 22, 2008  ABOUT FORGIVENESS
Jesus told a story about forgiveness which is known as "The Prodigal Son."  It's about a son who demands his inheritance, then wastes it.  When he returns, repentant, he finds he is forgiven. 
 
We retold the story to have more impact for our society.  Today, the idea that a son would run away is not that surprising.  But what about a father who runs away?  We compared God's forgiveness with the outrageousness of a run away father being forgiven.
 
THE CHALLENGE
for the week of June 22
 
Consider forgiveness.  Just put up a post-it note somewhere that you will see it often.  On the mirror, the TV, the computer.  Write on it the name of a person or a situation where forgiveness is necessary.  Look at it and think about it.  That's all.  If you want to bring it to church on Sunday and put it on the altar, that would be fine.  But mostly just keep it in front of you.

JUNE 29  SERIOUS ABOUT JUSTICE
Justice is not what we think of.  It's not punishment of evildoers.  Real justice is when the powerful care for the poor and when the poor have equality.  Christianity is filled with the call for us to practice justice.
 
We were moved by the words of representatives from Grace Street Ministries and People Organizing to Win Economic Rights (POWER). Who spoke of the pain and the struggle of those who are poor and on the streets. 
 
THE CHALLENGE
for the week of June 29
 
This week--DO SOMETHING.  Write a letter to the paper or to your representatives.  Speak out for justice.  Study about some issue.  Donate to a good cause.  But do something.