San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church "Heart of Christianity" Sunday, 27 April 2014

San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church "Heart of Christianity" Sunday, 27 April 2014
Dear Hearts,
Let's read Ch s. 23 and 24, summarized by Spong as the Passion of Christ.   There's much information here, so our discussion may extend beyond one week. 
1. There is a Easter version of the Leonard Cohen tune, "Halleluia," sung by Kelly Moony, which I have played for myself several times recently.  I, also, sent it to some of you. I urge you to listen to it.
Music Videos http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0E02FMNU
2. We've just come through the season of Lent crowned by Easter Sunday.  Did you go to a church service on Easter? What did you take away?  What affected you?  
3. Spong suggests on pp. 230- 231 that Peter's struggle is the struggle of every man and every woman--"...that is who you are--survival-driven creatures, unable to enter into the fullness of our humanity."
How do you identify with this statement?
4. Spong's mantra, "Live fully, love wastefully and be all that you can be," comes through in his discussion in these chapters.  (If you google "Live fully" a number of interesting quotes comes up.  You can also get Spong's discussion if you google the full quote.)  Describe a life where one does this.
5. Craig Brown has added a new ritual (to me) to our traditional service, that of bringing the Gospel down to  the middle of the Nave to be read.  The bulletin states that this "symbolizes the incarnation of Christ."  Spong discusses incarnation on pp. 231-232.  What is your reaction to this practice?  What does incarnation mean to you?
6. Other topics that come to you.
I look forward to our usual rousing discussion.  
Remember, we now meet in the sanctuary meeting room.
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