upcoming events

Don’t miss these upcoming spring time events at THE BEND:

BOOK DISCUSSION:

This Thursday we will be discussing chapters 3 and 4 of Parker Palmer’s “Let Your Life Speak.” Let me know if you don’t have a book and would like one before our meeting. It is not necessary to read the chapters before you come, though you will probably get more out of the discussion if you do. But please don’t opt out just because you haven’t read! We will not put you in time out or send you to detention. I promise.

SERVICE PROJECT:

This Saturday at 2:30 we will be serving a meal at the St. Luke’s Methodist soup kitchen. We’ll meet at THE BEND at 2:25 and walk over to St.Luke’s together. I think we’ll be finished by 5:30 at the latest. Probably earlier.

REFLECTIONS ON HOMOSEXUALITY LECTURE:

This Sunday from 12:30-2:00 at Idlewild, I will be attending the third “Reflections on Homosexuality” lunch and lecture. Max and I have made it to two of these so far, and both have been wonderful. Join us if you’d like. The lunch is $5, and here is the description of the lecture:

“Sunday, March 25 | Ethical Perspectives This second presentation by Dr. Hotz will focus on setting forth a spectrum of Christian ethical perspectives on same-sex relationships building on the biblical texts and theological reflection from the previous session.”

INTERFAITH SEDER:

Finally, Thursday March 29th at 6 p.m.is the Interfaith Seder at the Jewish Student Union. In response to your request for collaboration with other faith communities (and because interfaith seders are really cool), THE BEND will attend the seder that evening as our program. This program will include a light meal, and I am working on having some additional food for you that evening to take with you when you leave or to eat together at THE BEND (depending on the length of the seder.) But for now, save the date and make plans to attend. Below is some info about why an interfaith seder might be of interest to Christians:

“In springtime both Christians and Jews observe rituals of freedom and rebirth. The Christian Holy Week, especially the Easter Triduum, and the modern Jewish Seder both have roots in the Passover traditions of biblical Israel . Both communities see themselves as experiencing the liberating power of God first manifest to the ancient Hebrews in the Exodus. “In every generation, each of us should feel as though we ourselves had gone forth from Egypt ” is a principle held by both faiths. By joining in this ritual meal, Jews can share one of their central festivals with Christians, whose own religious heritage predisposes them to appreciate the Seder’s deep spiritual significance.

In addition, Jesus ate a final meal with his friends at the time of Passover, and today’s Christian communion liturgies are partially understood as a commemoration of that meal. Many Christians can thus have a powerful experience of their shared roots in biblical Judaism by joining in a Seder meal with Jewish friends” (from http://www.ccjr.us/dialogika-resources/educational-and-liturgical-materials/liturgical-resources/passover/784-interfaith-seders).

OFFICE HOURS

Office hours this week are from 4:30-6:30 this Thursday, March 22nd.