Exodus 20: 1-4

Genesis 22:1-5

We were made to partner with God in the stewarding and flourishing of creation: Being truly human, we recognize that we are not God and are certainly no less than human. Hear the call to surrender and true freedom. Genesis 1:26-2:3 Exodus 14:26-31Questions to consider—Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Isaiah 65:1-5

The Pentecost event: the giving of the Holy Spirit, birth of the Church, power from on high, and more. Amidst this is the story of regular people, empowered by the Spirit of God, who speak of the wonders of God in language their neighbors can understand. Could this be good news AND a challenge for us?Acts 2:1-12Questions to consider—Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Jesus says to his disciples, "It is better for you that I go..." At first glance, the ascension of Jesus does not always feel like good news, and yet, it is full of unexpected hope and blessing!Acts 1: 1-11Questions to consider—Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

The Psalmist invites us to have our lives revolve around one thing: seeking the presence of God. Being with God is the central call of our discipleship - not out of duty or performance - but joy!  Psalm 27:1-8Questions to consider—Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

"Christian" was not the language used initially by the early church to refer to one another. Instead, these first followers believed that a new reality was inaugurated in Jesus that enabled them [and us] to call one another brother and sister. Romans 8:12-17Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

In this transparent conversation, Delwin and Troy give a glimpse of the process that led to the decision for Delwin to transition off the Mars Hill staff.Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

In Jesus' life and death, seven key aspects of being in the world were demonstrated. These same attributes are put on display through those who have been raised with Christ. Colossians 3:1-4Questions to consider—Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?